Apparently, someone named Kenneth Moore was a fifth-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2008 and went on to catch six whole passes in his NFL career. He even spent a couple games on the Colts’ active roster in 2010, long enough to fumble twice on special teams. That’s certainly an expeditious way to get cut in the NFL.

Needless to say, the Colts’ current Kenny Moore wasn’t drafted. He did, however, find his way onto the New England Patriots’ offseason roster after leaving Valdosta State last year. He narrowly missed the final cut after a strong training camp and preseason, prompting the Colts to claim him off waivers after roster cutdowns.

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Insiders Stephen Holder and Zak Keefer discuss what to look for in Seattle.
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Now he’s sitting atop the depth chart at one cornerback spot for the Colts, who open their preseason Thursday night with a road contest against the Seahawks.

It’s a long way from Valdosta, Ga. to CenturyLink Field on the Seattle waterfront. But Moore has covered the distance at quite a quick pace, even if he’s got a long way left to go on this journey.

There might not be a more unlikely player in this Colts training camp to earn the praise of his coaches, but Moore has consistently found his way into the conversation. For his part, Moore can’t seem to figure out what all the fuss is about.

“It’s not something I think about,” Moore said of his climb up the depth chart, which is very unofficial at this stage. “It’s not something I’m concerned with. I’m just trying to compete at the highest level I can. This is just beginner mode.”

Indeed, it does feel like Moore’s story has a few more chapters left. Moore played just one year of high school football but did it well enough to earn an opportunity at Valdosta State, where he expected to redshirt and had his heart set on ultimately joining the Air Force. That whole football thing had little chance of working out, he figured.

As it turned out, Moore was wrong about his own prospects. He played plenty and steadily improved throughout his college career. Likewise, he’s been proving others wrong ever since.

Before the start of camp, General Manager Chris Ballard was already taking notice.

Asked about the viability of his young secondary, Ballard said, “I want to see these young kids play. How do you get better unless you play?... I love Kenny Moore. I think Kenny Moore has a chance to be a really good player in this league. A really, really good player.”

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The Indianapolis Colts will play their preseason game Thursday night at Seattle. Andrew Luck discusses what his game plan will be.
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With each play Moore makes, he becomes harder to ignore.

That’s why he was rewarded with that spot on the depth chart. Maybe it means nothing this far out from opening day. But it’s not insignificant that Moore was listed as the starter opposite veteran Pierre Desir – over 2017 second-round pick Quincy Wilson. The Colts are seeking more consistency from the 21-year old Wilson, who they still believe can fulfill his potential. Maybe the Colts are trying to send Wilson a message. Maybe Moore has just been that good.

Either way, Moore’s feistiness and toughness – against both the pass and the run – has shown up. He stands only 5-9, and that’s probably after taking his high-top fade into account. And he’s not the biggest guy; he doesn’t look like the 190 pounds he is listed at. That hasn’t stopped him from seeking out contact against the run or from mixing it up with physical coverage against receivers. Moore has spent significant time practicing at slot corner as well, getting the bulk of the first-team reps over last season’s starter, Nate Hairston, early in camp.

Indianapolis Colts player Kenny Moore II signs autographs at the Peace Learning Center, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. Members of the Indianapolis Colts and IMPD visited the center to work with 50 sixth-graders from IPS #34, Eleanor Skillen School, doing team-building sessions designed to teach safe and simple ways to manage anger, solve problems and develop an understanding of differing perspectives. (Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar)

Moore, 22, has a defiance about him off the field, too. He was asked whether he remembered the crucial personal foul he committed in his second game in a Colts uniform, an unnecessary roughness call that gave the Arizona Cardinals prime field position and that set up the tying touchdown. Arizona went on to win in overtime.

“Hey, I couldn’t just come out here and be a Pro Bowler,” he said. “Everyone has their mistakes. For yourself, you didn’t start off as a writer as the guy that you are now.”

Fair point.

Asked how he rebounded from such a dreadful first impression to, by season’s end, finding himself in the starting lineup, Moore simply said, “Keep calm.”

You have to admire Moore’s demeanor. Tough and aggressive when he needs to be. Cool and collected at other times.

That’s how you go from one year of high school ball to the top of an NFL depth chart. Now comes the next question: Can Moore stay there?

Indianapolis Colts Darius Leonard (53) and Najee Goode (52) practice on the special teams during their preseason training camp at Grand Park in Westfield on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) and Eric Ebron (85) stretch out with their teammates during their preseason training camp at Grand Park in Westfield on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Matt Kryger/IndyStar